Paul Newby, the lone registered Republican on the state Supreme Court, has made partisan comments against his six fellow justices.
Newby made a campaign address to Republicans last week, criticizing his colleagues on the bench, all of whom are Democrats.
WRAL-TV received a recording of his remarks. The station reports that Newby compared his Democratic Colleagues to New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a frequent target of conservative criticism.
Such open critiques of fellow members of the bench are unusual for North Carolina's highest court.
A political consultant for Newby says the justice was giving an example of ideological differences, and not directly referencing anyone.
Newby is currently the longest-serving justice on the state supreme court. Earlier this year, Governor Roy Cooper passed over Newby to appoint Cheri Beasly to fill a vacancy as the chief justice.
Newby has announced plans to run for the top seat on the court seat next year. That means his current seat will also be up for election.